- Perfected -

SCS/SB 558 - This act reorganizes the Soil and Water Conservation Commission by expanding the number of farmer members from five to six with the three ex-officio members remaining the same. Three of the farmer members shall reside north of the Missouri River and three shall reside south. No senatorial district may have more than one farmer member. The Department of Conservation is also added as an ex-officio member.

Four farmer members must be present in order to determine an action by the Commission and the chairperson may vote.

Soil and Water Conservation District offices are required to publish notices and receive comment prior to sales of any farm products to the general public. A district office must also obtain permission to offer such products for sale from the Water Conservation Districts Commission. The District offices may sell farm products which are:

1. Not readily available in the area; and

2. Are reasonably related to soil and water conservation.

This act is intended to prevent competition between the Soil and Water Conservation District offices and private businesses offering farm products for sale.

This act incorporates the provisions of SB 812.

ELIZABETH BAX